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| Jose Mourinho had a happy return to Stamford Bridge (Martin Rickett/PA) |
When Antonio Rudiger headed the hosts into the lead all three points looked likely, but Anthony Martial scored twice in the second half to almost give United an unlikely victory before Barkley’s dramatic late intervention.
Here, Press Association Sport examines five things we learned from what unfolded at Stamford Bridge.
1. This was no disaster for Jose Mourinho
The nature of their 3-2 victory over Newcastle had already given United something to build on, so to then come from behind at Stamford Bridge should further ease the significant pressure that had built on the manager. Victory over Everton next weekend would give them seven points from nine in the league and put them back into contention for a top-four finish.
Marcus Rashford is at his best in a central position (Martin Rickett/PA)
2. Marcus Rashford is wasted out wide
It is no coincidence the young forward excels for England; by playing more centrally he can make the most of his goalscoring instincts, as he most recently demonstrated against Spain. At Stamford Bridge he was used wide on the right of a front three, giving him few shooting chances on his stronger right foot, and often forcing him to play almost as a right-back.
Chelsea are bringing the best out of Eden Hazard (Victoria Jones/PA)
3. Eden Hazard should resist Mourinho’s advances
The United manager may have secured a positive result but, even if he has said he would love to take Hazard to Old Trafford, Saturday’s fixture showed why that would be a mistake for the Belgian. He is relishing the freedom he has been given by Maurizio Sarri; to watch United’s front three struggle for fluidity was to recall how frustrated Hazard once was under Mourinho.
Anthony Martial’s two goals showed what a fine player he is (Martin Rickett/PA)
4.United need to agree a new contract with Anthony Martial
The talented French forward had minimal influence for much of the match at Stamford Bridge, but took the two chances that came his way to transform United’s afternoon, and perhaps even their season. Contrast his finishing ability with that of Romelu Lukaku, who sent a free header harmlessly wide, if United are to succeed in the coming years, they consistently need Martial playing to his potential.
David Luiz is not the figure to organise Chelsea’s defence (John Walton/PA)
5. Chelsea lack leadership
John Terry’s recent return to football comes with his former club missing a similarly influential figure. Hazard may be their finest player but when they needed some authority in central defence, particularly while 1-0 up and with United struggling for belief, it was lacking. That first equalising goal would never have been conceded during Terry’s and Petr Cech’s best years. If Gary Cahill remains out of favour they will need someone with those qualities, ones David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger do not have.
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